James H. Leighton

James Howard Leighton, 79, was born December 27, 1936 in Buffalo, NY and died peacefully in his sleep in Naples, FL on February 5, 2016. James was an avid family man. He will be remembered for his compassion, his generosity, and his love for his family. James is survived by Sharon his wife of 58 years, his son Mark and wife Linda, son David and wife Donna, his grandchildren Brandon and wife Jaci, Michael, Paige, and Colin, and two great grandchildren James and Luke. He loved his furry grand-kids Cody and Angel. He attended Clarence Central High School and received an associate’s degree from Erie County Technical Institute. Jim met his wife Sharon in 1957 through a mutual friend and were married in 1958. Jim was working as an Industrial engineer at Semet Solvay when his first son, Mark was born in December of 1960. Their second son David was born just a few years later in 1964. Over the years Jim worked as a Regional Sales Engineer and took the family to Chicago, IL, Columbus OH, and eventually Fort Myers Beach, FL where they decided to settle. As a father, Jim coached hockey, led boy scouts, and helped build the existing Cape Coral BMX track. Jim volunteered at the local food bank and served as a deacon and teacher in the Christian Church. Jim loved fishing and playing golf any chance he could. Jim enjoyed helping family and friends, neighbors and some he had never met before with many projects around the home. No project was too big. As a successful entrepreneurs, Jim and Sharon established a material handling business and then they followed their true dream and became owners of a designer dress boutique and an art gallery for over 25 years. Jim was known for his witty sayings like “Don’t Fight - be nice” and “Life is good” which made people smile and brightened their days. He was loved by many and will be forever missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of James Leighton may be made to the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, 25300 Bernwood Dr., Unit 6, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, Email: info@bonitaassistance.org, website: http://www.bonitaassistance.org/ or to Naples Christian Church, 8000 Goodlette Rd. N., Naples, Florida 34109 website: http://www.napleschristian.org. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

James H. Leighton

December 27, 1936 - February 5, 2016